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From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
The All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives candidate for the Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency, Joseph Ekumankama, has called on the newly elected local government chairmen in Ebonyi State to prioritise grassroots development for sustainable growth across the state.
Ekumankama stated this while reacting to the outcome of the just-concluded local government elections held across the 13 local government areas of the state.
He congratulated winners of the election and commended Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) for conducting the polls, noting that the outcome reflected the people’s desire for governance that is closer to them.
Addressing journalists in Abakaliki, the former minister said the local government remains the tier of government closest to the people and must, therefore, deliver tangible results.
“The mandate you have just received is a call to service, not a title. Our people at the grassroots are waiting for motorable roads, functional primary healthcare centres, clean water, quality basic education, and support for farmers.
“The new local government chairmen must hit the ground running and ensure that the dividends of democracy are felt in every village and ward,” Ekumankama said.
He urged the chairmen to work in alignment with the state government’s development agenda, while also designing local solutions to address the peculiar challenges of their respective areas.
Ekumankama also charged the newly elected council officials to run inclusive administration, carry stakeholders along, and maintain transparency in the management of council funds.
“The people voted for development. Let us avoid the politics of exclusion. Engage traditional rulers, women’s groups, youth leaders and civil society so that governance will be participatory,” he added.
The former minister commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for providing a conducive environment for the conduct of the elections, and for his commitment to strengthening local government administration in Ebonyi State.
Ekumankama, who monitored the election after casting his vote at his polling unit in Amangwu Ward, Edda Local Government Area, expressed satisfaction with the orderly conduct of the exercise and the enthusiasm displayed by voters.
He said the peaceful nature of the exercise was particularly encouraging, stressing that credible and peaceful elections are essential to strengthening democracy and ensuring that elected leaders remain accountable to the people.
Ekumankama further commended the leadership of the APC in Ebonyi State, led by Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, for maintaining stability within the party and organising successful campaign rallies across the state, ahead of the local government elections.
He said the party’s ability to mobilise its members and supporters across the 13 local government areas demonstrated the strength and organisational capacity of the APC under the leadership of the state chairman.
